An Author Chat with Marina Kuperman

Marina Kuperman has been living in Costa Rica for almost 5 years. After visiting the Playa Grande's Leatherback Turtle National Marine Park and seeing this critically endangered animal, she became so moved that she not only wrote the book Turtle Feet, Surfer's Beat ,but also founded the online community www.turtlefeetsurfersbeat.com for kids, teens, and their parents to take action in a fun way to help marine preservation.

WOW: Thanks for stopping by, Marina. What is Turtle Feet, Surfer's Beat about?

My book revolves around a typical suburban teen girl, Penelope, from the States who is forced to go to Costa Rica with her parents for her father's job assignment. Involuntarily, her parents sign up Penelope to spend two weeks at the Leatherback turtle biological station (for 'her own good'). Penelope obviously isn't pleased, but forgives the horrid accommodations and the neverending bug brigade as she sees the turtle and instantly pledges to do all she can to help it from extinction. But hang ten, dudes! Penelope is about to get help. One lonely night, as she's patrolling the beach for turtle poachers, she stumbles and falls directly into the arms of the local surf champ. Together they dive into the world of surfing and marine preservation.

WOW: A good read with a message! You're website www.turtlefeetsurfersbeat.com is more directed at a community setting rather than focusing directly on the book, why is that?

I figure that a good read helps to get us all hyped-up to take action and make a difference, especially if it's for a good cause. And that's exactly what my book
intends to do, since we are all in the know about the conditions of our oceans,
and really want to do something to start making a difference. Plus, we also know that everything is so much more fun to do when you're having a blast at it with friends. So, that's exactly what www.turtlefeetsurfersbeat.com it is all about.

It's not your typical site of more information thrown at you, but rather a way to get involved and join forces with your favorite surfers, musicians, artists, conservationists, and other cool people already taking action.

WOW: Thank you, Marina, for sharing a little about your book and your site here today, and best wishes to you.

Thank you for having me as a guest and I look forward to everyone visiting our
community and joining in the fun!


Marina Kuperman
TURTLE FEET, SURFER´S BEAT
Take the ultimate ride!!!
www.Turtlefeetsurfersbeat.com